Football | MTN8

Sweet relief for Chiefs coach

It was a relief to make it through to the semifinals of the MTN8 Cup, said Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter, following his side's comprehensive 3-0 victory over University of Pretoria at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

Chiefs stumbled at the same stage last season, falling 4-1 at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns. It was a controlled performance this time from the Amakhosi to make it through to the last four.

“I'm pleased with result and we're relieved to get into next round, considering the result we had this time last year," said Baxter after the game.

"It's just about getting through."

Baxter, however, was weary of making lofty predictions for his side this season, after two successive wins in the league and cup combined.

“If you play poorly and win 1-0, you tread on a landmine.

“If you get two wins or two defeats, the difference out on the field is very little. People would be making quite a big thing if we drew one of the games.

“Two wins is not a trend. As long as we can keep on winning and be humble – it's a marathon not a sprint.”

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The result was flattering in the end. It was AmaTuks who started the stronger of the two from the first whistle and they could have scored in the second minute.

“Our first five minutes of the game was a disaster for us," Baxter said, as Chiefs took longer to get into gear.

“We came out with our brains still in the changeroom, but we got ourselves back into it quickly.

“The pitch was difficult, and it was difficult to land passes. The ball was given away more than we were used to, but the longer the game went, the more transitions there were. And we're pretty good when it comes to transitions.”

Baxter was not concerned his new signing, Knowledge Musona, did not get on the scoresheet.

“I want Knowledge to be moving more and that's a process that is taking place. As long as someone is scoring it's not worrying.

“I wont be worried about Knowledge until he's played five or six games for us. He's a good player and he'll prove to be a fantastic acquisition.”

The Zimbabwean striker rejoined Chiefs on loan from German Bundesliga club 1899 Hoffenheim.